[Laparoscopic antireflux surgery--long-term results].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation

Context:

• Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has become a common treatment for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Assessing long-term patient-reported outcomes is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of these procedures.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the long-term subjective outcomes of laparoscopic antireflux surgery.
• To assess symptom resolution, need for adjuvant treatment, and overall patient satisfaction post-surgery.

Summary:

• A study of 98 patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery between 1995-2005 found that 35 out of 43 respondents (81%) reported subjective improvement.
• Common post-operative issues included persistent bloating (33 patients) and retrosternal pain (14 patients), with a minority requiring further intervention or medication.
• Dysphagia occurred in 10 patients, mostly resolving spontaneously, and 12 patients had residual reflux to varying degrees.

Impact:

• This study highlights the substantial subjective benefits of laparoscopic antireflux surgery for GERD patients.
• Findings suggest that while not universally curative, the procedure significantly enhances quality of life for a majority of individuals, reducing reliance on medical management.